The 2023 Australian Open will be remembered for a long time, but not just for the thrilling matches and surprising upsets. This year’s tournament was marred by controversy and disrespect towards one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Novak Djoković.
The Serbian tennis superstar was forced to retire from his match against Alexander Zverev in the semifinals due to a knee injury. This decision did not sit well with the Australian crowd, who booed and jeered as Djoković left the court. However, this was not an isolated incident. Throughout the tournament, Djoković faced disrespect and disdain from some quarters, including an Australian journalist who mocked him on live TV.
Viktor Troicki, the coach of the Serbian Davis Cup team, has spoken out against the treatment of Djoković in Melbourne. „The Australian crowd booing Novak after he got injured? That doesn’t happen in any other sport, even in football, where the crowd is more 'wild’. When a player gets injured and leaves the field, the fans applaud and wish him a speedy recovery,” Troicki said in an interview with nova.rs.
Troicki was particularly scathing about the behavior of the Australian journalist, Tony Jones, who ridiculed Djoković’s fans during a live broadcast. „If I had hired a journalist like that, I would have lost my job immediately. Mocking a player during a tournament is unacceptable. Apologies are not enough. Jones should be banned for life and never allowed to participate in tennis tournaments again,” Troicki added.
A Lack of Respect for a Tennis Legend
Djoković, a 24-time Grand Slam winner, has had an illustrious career, with 10 Australian Open titles to his name. However, it seems that his achievements and dedication to the sport mean little to some. The Serbian tennis player has always been a polarizing figure, but the level of disrespect he faced in Melbourne was unprecedented.
The Australian Open has always been one of Djoković’s favorite tournaments, and he has consistently delivered impressive performances on the court. However, this year’s tournament will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. The treatment of Djoković by the Australian crowd and some members of the media has left a sour taste in the mouths of many tennis fans.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
According to data from the Australian Open, Djoković has won 10 titles in Melbourne, with a win percentage of 85.7% in singles matches. He has also held the number one spot in the ATP rankings for a record 373 weeks. Despite these impressive achievements, some seem to have forgotten the respect and admiration that Djoković deserves.
A Lesson in Sportsmanship
The incident in Melbourne serves as a reminder of the importance of sportsmanship and respect in tennis. While rivalries and competition are an integral part of the sport, it is essential to maintain a level of decorum and respect towards opponents, officials, and the game itself.
As Troicki so aptly put it, „The crowd should have more respect for the champion.” It is time for tennis fans and the media to reflect on their behavior and treat players with the respect and admiration they deserve. Anything less is unacceptable and undermines the values that tennis is supposed to represent.
Sources:
* Australian Open official website
* ATP Tour official website
* Nova.rs
* Various news outlets